Zizaniopsis miliacea

Zizaniopsis miliacea is a species of flowering plant in the grass family, Poaceae.^[2] It is known by the common names giant cutgrass, water millet, and southern wildrice. The name giant cutgrass refers to the plant's large, rough-edged leaves, and the name southern wildrice refers to its resemblance to wildrice (Zizania spp.).^[3] It is native to the southeastern United States and it can also be found in central Mexico.^[4]

This perennial grass grows from rhizomes, producing stems up to 4 meters tall and 3.5 centimeters wide. The stems root at nodes that come in contact with the substrate.^[4] It also spreads via functional stolons (decumbent rooting stems) and vegetative buds that erupt from the stems.^[3][5] The blue-green leaves are up to a meter long and 3 centimeters wide. The panicles may exceed 80 centimeters long and are usually up to 20 centimeters wide.^[4]

This plant grows in aquatic habitat, such as marshes and riverbanks. It is also common in former rice paddies.^[3] This grass forms large colonies by spreading via its stolon-like stems and rhizomes.^[5] It grows in fresh and brackish water,^[4] tolerating some salt in the water. It is sometimes planted for erosion control in wetlands.^[6] Large stands of the plant are sometimes considered to be a nuisance, providing "poor wildlife habitat";^[7] however, it does provide nesting sites, cover, and food for animals.^[8]

• USDA Plants Profile